Calcium hydroxide is a mineral compound that is chemically almost insoluble in water due to its low solubility coefficient. However, by providing the necessary conditions, calcium hydroxide dissolves in pure water and creates a solution with a pH of 12.4. It should be noted that the dissolution of this compound is exothermic and solutions of this compound can cause chemical burns.
Aqueous solutions of calcium hydroxide are called lime water, which are bases of medium strength and react against acids and produce salt. These solutions attack some metals such as aluminum while protecting other metals such as iron and steel from corrosion.
To produce calcium hydroxide, the limestone in nature must be heated at a high temperature to separate its impurities. Then the obtained substance is combined with water to absorb the hydroxide ion. This compound can be produced in the laboratory by combining the aqueous solution of calcium chloride and sodium hydroxide.
Characteristics
| Chemical formula | Ca(OH)2 |
| Other names | Slaked lime,Milk of lime,Calcium(II) hydroxide,Pickling lime,Hydrated lime,Portlandite,Calcium hydrate,Calcium dihydroxide |
| Molecular mass | 74 g/mol |
| Appearance | white powder |
| Solubility | Soluble in glycerol and acids.Insoluble in ethanol. |
Application
- Food industry
- Water and wastewater treatment
- Paper and pulp industry
- Agriculture
- In dentistry to prevent bleeding and for blood coagulation
- pH regulator
- Ammonia gas production
Packing
This chemical is available in 25 kg bags.